The 7 Foods That Relieve Joint Pain

Eating these regularly can help reduce inflammation and soothe your joints.

If aching knees, stiff shoulders, and other painful joints are something you regularly experience, you’re not the only one. According to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 14 million people in 2014 said they suffer from severe joint pain, commonly caused by inflammation in the body. Remedies include regular exercise and supplements, but what you eat may also help.

“There are a number of compounds found in food that are supported by scientific research to reduce inflammation and/or pain,” says Moshe Ben-Roohi, MD, a sports medicine specialist at LIfespan Medicine in Dallas. But, says Dr. Ben-Roohi, it all boils down to biochemical individuality, meaning what’s anti-inflammatory for one person might be causing inflammation for another.

Nutritionist Lauren Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of the web site Nutrition Starring You, agrees. “Some people have food sensitivities to things one would assume are anti-inflammatory, but may not be for each person,” she says. Your best bet: talk to your doctor and try different foods to see if they hurt or help your joint pain. Here are seven to consider.

1. Pineapple

While pineapple is rich in vitamin C, it’s an anti-inflammatory all-star because it contains bromelian. According to one study, bromelain was as effective as ibuprofen for treating osteoarthritis pain. Research has also shown it to be effective in reducing inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. If you want the effects of bromelain but don’t love pineapple, snack on papaya, which is also rich in in the substance.

2. Salmon

Several studies have shown that omega-3 fish oils can reduce symptoms of arthritis. “The literature shows omega 3s found in fatty fish reduce inflammation by blocking COX & LOX enzymes,” says Dr. Ben-Roohi. Since the human body doesn’t produce omega-3s, however, you need to make sure your diet contains them. “Depending on the level of inflammation, people should eat two servings per week minimum, and up to five servings per week,” he says. Fish richest in Omega 3s include salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines.

3. Turmeric

The health benefits of turmeric—the yellow spice that flavors curries—are vast. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been shown to help suppress cancer, reduce blood pressure, and have a positive impact on inflammation, just to name a few. One University of Arizona study found that the curcumin can help protect against joint deterioration and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Another study researched how well ibuprofen eased pain over curcumin, and found that the benefits were about the same for both.

To get the beneficial effects of curcumin, add turmeric into your cooking rotation two to three times a week, say experts. One health note: Turmeric can act as a blood thinner, so talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet or taking turmeric supplements.

4. Ginger

Gingerol, the active substance in ginger, has been shown in several small studies to be effective in reducing joint pain and inflammation. One study from the University of Miami showed that doses of highly concentrated gingerol reduced knee pain due to osteoarthritis by 40 percent. Try eating a spoonful or two of raw ginger a day, or steep ginger pieces in boiling water to make a tea.

5. Hot peppers

Hot peppers, like serrano and habanero, are rich in a component called capsaicin, which as been shown to have positive effect on longevity, cancer prevention, inflammation, and pain. The hotter the pepper, generally the more capsaicin it has. That means, mild peppers, like green peppers or poblanos, probably won’t have much effect when it comes to relieving joint pain. “If an individual tolerates peppers, those would be good options to add to the diet,” says Dr. Ben-Roohi. “If not, supplementing with capsaicin would be the best way to get the anti-inflammatory benefits. Supplements contain higher amounts of the anti-inflammatory compounds.”

6. Garlic

Next time you’re cooking dinner, you might want to throw in some extra garlic. Studies have shown that garlic can not only reduce inflammation, but also help stimulate the body’s immune cells. However, some research has found that heating garlic may decrease its effectiveness, so keep that in mind when you are cooking.

7. Cherries

“Inflammation causes oxidative stress creating a feed-forward cycle that perpetuates pain,” says Dr. Ben-Roohi. “Consuming foods rich in antioxidants counters oxidation and prevents destruction of tissues.” While all fruits and vegetables are good for you, some, like cherries, blueberries, and spinach, are antioxidant powerhouses. A University of Michigan study found that drinking tart cherry juice daily not only decreased inflammation, but also reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease.

So how many servings of fruits and vegetables should you eat daily to fight inflammation? Many doctors recommend up to ten servings.

Also from Grandparents.com:

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6 Food Rules To Soothe Arthritis Pain

5 Easy Ways To Decrease Your Portion Sizes

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